SB 2373 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO CARBON SEQUESTRATION.

Summary

Establishes a state goal to strengthen nature-based carbon emissions reduction solutions. Directs certain state agencies to identify opportunities for investing in nature-based solutions that reduce carbon emissions. Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to develop methodologies to quantify carbon emissions reductions through marine ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Issues: ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 16, 2026 Last action Feb 20, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB2373 → SB2373_SD1 · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was updated from an HB template to an SD1 (Senate Draft 1) version, changing the lead agency responsible for carbon sequestration methodology from the Hawaii State Energy Office to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Additionally, the effective date of the law was moved from immediate approval to July 1, 2050, and formatting inconsistencies were corrected throughout the text.

Scope change

The primary scope change involves shifting the administrative responsibility for evaluating carbon reduction methodologies from the energy office to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, aligning the task with marine ecosystem restoration.

REQUIREMENT

The agency authorized to develop methodologies for quantifying carbon emissions reductions through marine ecosystem restoration changed from the Hawaii State Energy Office to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

TIMELINE

The effective date of the Act was changed from 'upon approval' to 'July 1, 2050', delaying the implementation of the law.

TECHNICAL

Minor formatting and capitalization corrections were made to the title, header information, and statutory text.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.

upper

Feb 20, 2026

Committee

Reported from AEN/EIG (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2483) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.

upper

Feb 12, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in AEN were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Gabbard, Richards, Rhoads; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) DeCoite, Awa.

upper

Feb 12, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EIG were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Wakai, Chang, Richards; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) DeCoite, Fevella.

upper

Feb 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on AEN/EIG has rescheduled its public hearing to 02-12-26 3:10PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.

upper

Feb 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on AEN/EIG deleted the measure from the public hearing scheduled on 02-09-26 3:00PM; CR 224 & Videoconference.

upper

Feb 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on AEN/EIG has scheduled a public hearing on 02-09-26 3:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 26, 2026

Committee

Referred to AEN/EIG, WAM.

upper

Jan 21, 2026

Introduced

Introduced and passed First Reading.

upper

Jan 16, 2026

Introduced

Pending Introduction.

upper

3 primary · 0 co-sponsors